Research Overview

The Wackett laboratory studies microbial enzymes and pathways for biocatalysis and biodegradation. Microbial enzymes represent the most diverse biocatalytic potential on Earth. Thier range in substrate and mechanistic diversity has been exploited in several projects. Microbial enzymes are being used to make hydrocarbon fuels in a project funded by ARPA-E. Microbial biodegradation of s-triazine herbicides is being tapped to develop novel enzyme-based remediation strategies. Enzymes that deaminate melamine have proven useful for the development of a test kit to detect melamine in milk. Other bioinformatics research revolves around web-based databases such as the Biocatalysis/Biodegradation Database and the BioFuels Database.

News Highlights

New ARPA-E project

A team of University of Minnesota researchers is proposing to create clean-burning liquid hydrocarbon fuels from renewable biological sources - in this case, two different types of bacteria cultured together. more >>

Enzyme testing for food contaminants

A research group headed by Professor Wackett is awarded funding to develop a way to test for food adulterants using enzymes. more >>

Test developed to detect Melamine in milk

The Wackett and Sadowsky labs developed an enzyme that is used in Bioo Scientific’s new MaxDiscovery™ Melamine Test kit, which simplifies the detection of melamine contamination in food. more >>